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Los Angeles Lakers: This Summer Can’t Be About Kobe Bryant

By Jackson Sanders

Dec 2, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 2, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

Looking Forward With Or Without Kobe Bryant

It’s unclear whether Kobe will retire when his contract expires after the 2015-16 season. It’s widely speculated that “The Black Mamba” will hang ’em up after the upcoming season, but it’s a notion that he’s distanced himself from recently.

If he decides to play beyond his current contract, it should have no effect on the Lakers’ plans this off-season. The goal needs to be to build for the future that can stand without Kobe Bryant, not around him.

While Kobe may be a year-to-year basketball player, his body is day-to-day; building a team that can withstand his abrupt departure is a necessity at this point.

The Lakers need to build around their young prospects, like Julius Randle. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers need to build around their young prospects, like Julius Randle. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

The Lakers’ ability to build a nucleus that doesn’t include Kobe Bryant is the key to the rebuild. The successful implementation of Kobe as a complimentary piece could help the team be competitive soon; provided they center their efforts around helping Julius Randle and the rest of their young prospects.

It’s past time for this realization for the Lakers. The rebuild has been labeled as a “reload” — at least publicly — for far too long. It’s time to head in the correct direction, with the proper mindset. Unfortunately, that doesn’t include making decisions based around Kobe Bryant.

The fall of 2015-16 will bring a terrific celebration of Kobe Bryant’s career. A time for recalling the achievements of an all-time great. A call for reflection on the accomplishments of the past.

The summer of 2015 should be a celebration of the bright future of the Los Angeles Lakers, and the progress that is to come.

Next: Is LaMarcus Aldridge A Fit For The Los Angeles Lakers?

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